It should go without saying that seniors must be kept safe from falling at all costs. It isn’t as easy a feat as we’d like, however, is it? Falls are known as the main culprit for hospitalizations among Canadian seniors. Naturally, it’s important to take steps to prevent seniors from falling. But how, exactly, do we pull that off?
There are many different reasons that older adults take injury-inducing tumbles. Examining them will help us get so much closer to successful fall prevention.
Get the clutter off the floor.
Although this may seem obvious, it’s pretty important we make this emphatic statement. Clear your floors! Pick up all clothing, tools, toys and any other items that could present a tripping hazard. Be very mindful of wiring too. All of those corded plugs that lead to sockets in your walls need to be tucked away. And don’t forget about your throw rugs. Remove them from your floors as they are known to cause people to trip and fall.
“The easiest method for preventing falls is to keep your home neat and tidy,” states Wyatt Myers on EverydayHealth.com, “Remove all clutter, such as stacks of old newspapers and magazines, especially from hallways and staircases. Repair or remove tripping hazards. Sometimes home fixtures can contribute to falls, which can then lead to back pain and other injuries.”
Avoid wearing loose clothing.
Everyone wears what is often referred to as “home clothes”. Who doesn’t like to feel as comfy as possible while at home? For older adults, however, it’s wise to not get too cozy. To be clear, loose-fitting clothing can get caught on furniture and appliances and set their wearers off balance. Furthermore, pants that are too big can hang below the heel and turn into a tripping hazard.
“You want to feel comfortable at home, but baggy clothes can sometimes make you more likely to fall,” warns Myers, “Opt for better-fitting and properly hemmed clothing that doesn’t bunch up or drag on the ground.”
Secure a mobility device.
We would argue that the most sensible step in fall prevention is to procure the use of a mobility device. Wheelchairs, walkers, rollators and the like are excellent ways to ensure that an older adult doesn’t experience an injury-inducing fall. In addition, stair lifts make excellent additions to the home if you have staircases that are hard for your elderly loved one to climb.
“Older people are more likely to have underlying medical conditions that can cause mobility issues,” states SingleCare.com, “So struggling with balance (or to walk) is, unfortunately, very common among older people. According to a CDC study, 31.7% of people age 65 and older report having difficulty walking three city blocks.”
At Advantage Home Health Solutions, we always ensure that you have the complete picture to make an informed decision. You’ll know all of the possible options so you can choose which solution is best for you. To learn more about the wide variety of mobility solutions we offer, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 403-460-5438. You may also email us by filling out the form on our Contact page!